How to Interview Successfully - Video Interviewing

Video - The Next Step in the Recruiting Process

Companies hiring at all levels, from entry-level to experienced professionals, are more comfortable using technology (as you can see from the growth in Internet recruiting) and video interviewing is becoming the next step in the online recruiting process for many recruiters and employers.

Video interviews are becoming more commonplace in the workplace. As hiring becomes more global, both for employers and candidates, video interviewing is a way to expedite the interview process.

Advantages of videoNow that video interviewing is becoming more practical and more consistently possible, businesses are starting to better appreciate the advantages it can bring to the recruitment process.Compared to telephone interviewing, video interviews are a better way to assess candidates and filter out those that are less suitable. The addition of a visual element makes the experience significantly more comprehensive and closer to that of the final face-to-face interview. It allows a better connection to be made with candidates and a more complete assessment of how they react to questions and the interview situation in general. This allows more unsuitable candidates to be filtered out in the early stages, saving on time, effort and transport costs when arranging face-to-face interviews.For passive jobseekers, busy in their current roles, the prospect of completing a video interview on the move is far more appealing than taking the time to travel to a formal face-to-face interview.In essence, it is a win-win for both parties – the candidate is able to choose a time convenient for them and the employer receives a higher number of applicants and a better idea of the talent available. Video interviewing platform Sonru continues to innovate and improve an already impressive offering and we’re excited to see not just what 2015 will bring, but the forthcoming years too. With technology only ever set to advance, video interviewing is here for the long haul.

Hiring managers and recruiters can conduct first round interviews more quickly, save on transportation costs, and get the interview process started much faster using video conferencing than they can scheduling in-person interviews

Review the following tips to make sure you ace this type of interview. Keep in mind, a video interview carries as much weight as an interview conducted in-person, so you will want to make sure that you're well prepared to interview remotely.

Tips for Video Interviewing

Advance Planning

• Make sure that you send any materials (resume, etc.) that the recruiter needs in advance.
• If the interview is at a company office, arrive early so you have time to get situated.
• Ask for assistance if you're not sure how to use the equipment. Actually, even if you think you can figure it out, it's good to ask for a quick overview.

What to Wear

• Dress professionally. Wear the same interview attire you would for an in-person interview.
• Don't make the same mistake one candidate did! He wore a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie, presuming that only the top half would show. However, when he stood up the interviewer saw a full-length view, including the jeans he was wearing.

During the Video Interview

• Make sure the table is clean and neat. You don't want to distract the interviewer.
• Be aware that the microphone picks up all the noise in the room. Don't tap your pen or shuffle papers.
• Make eye contact. If you don't the camera will be focused on the top of your head.
• Use the Picture-in-Picture feature so you can see how you appear.

The Interview Process

• The interview process will be the same as an in-person interview. The interviewer's objective (to screen candidates for employment) is the same.
• You will be asked the same type of interview questions. Also, be prepared to ask questions, as well.
• If you're not sure about how the interview is proceeding, it's fine to ask the interviewer how you are doing.

What's most important is to consider this type of interview is just as important as if you were meeting the interviewer in his or her office. The value, for yourself as well as for the hiring manager, is equivalent, and interviewing successfully, however it takes place, is the key to getting hired.